Outemu Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie. The Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch that provides a slight bump in feedback when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes, low-pitched thocky sound, and buttery feel. It is a great choice for those looking for a smooth and silent typing experience. While the Brown switch offers tactile feedback, the Smoothie switch provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Gateron Smoothie switches have some key differences. The Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Smoothie switch's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches have bottom housings made of nylon, which leads to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This means that while the top housings of these switches differ in sound characteristics, they share a similar deep and pleasing sound quality thanks to their nylon bottom housings.
In terms of aesthetics, the Brown switch's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Conversely, the Smoothie switch's POM top housing does not offer this feature. Both switches, however, share the same sound profile in their bottom housings due to the nylon material being used. This means that while the top housings might have different visual and auditory effects, the bottom housings contribute to a consistent deep and pleasing sound experience.
When it comes to typing experience, the choice of housing materials can greatly impact the feel and sound of a switch. The Bottom housing plays a significant role in how a switch feels when pressed down, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite their differences in top housing materials, the Outemu Brown and Gateron Smoothie switches both offer a satisfying typing experience with a deep and pleasing sound profile, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Brown switch requires 65 grams to fully bottom out, while the Smoothie switch has an unknown bottom out force. The Outemu Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better option for individuals who prefer a lighter weight switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. The Outemu Brown will provide a slightly deeper feeling when pressed compared to the Gateron Smoothie. Those who prefer a more responsive key press may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie due to its shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its subtle and somewhat muted sound, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its thocky sound signature, which offers a deep and rich tonality that can be satisfying to the ears. The Smoothie's low-pitched and subdued characteristics contribute to a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the Brown.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feedback without being too heavy or light. The Gateron Smoothie, on the other hand, is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. The lubricated nature of the Smoothie switch enhances the overall typing feel, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize typing comfort and smoothness.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. If you enjoy a quieter and more tactile typing experience, the Brown may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more thocky sound with a buttery feel, the Smoothie could be the optimal choice for you. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your sound and feel preferences along with other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices to ensure you get the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a lightweight touch, smoothness, and a thocky sound signature, then the Gateron Smoothie switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Whether you prefer a tactile feedback or a smoother keystroke, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Mentioned in this article
